Tens of thousands of protestors flocked the main roads and collected around the government buildings in Hong Kong district. The protestors call for pro-democracy, universal suffrage, and the ability to vote for their own leaders. The police have responded violently, using tear gas, pepper spray, and batons to subdue the crowd.

“The main roads are used by fire trucks and ambulances. They now have to take a detour, so we urge the society to think about this,” CY Leung, the Hong Kong Chief Executive, said. “I now urge them to call a stop to this.”

Hong Kong was a colony owned by the UK until 1997 when it was returned to China in accordance to a 100 year treaty. The Chinese Communist Party promised Hong Kong autonomy in the form of elections and suffrage, calling it “One country, two systems”.

“I understand this universal suffrage is somewhat different to what the public thinks it would be. But this is based on the basic law. We still want to remain peaceful, calm and think what the best is for Hong Kong,” the Chief Executive continued.

However, the protestors are responding to Beijing’s broken promise of election and suffrage after the announcement that the ballot candidates had to be approved by the CCP. Most of the citizens of Hong Kong are descendants of people who fled communist mainland China during the 1930’s and 1960’s from Guangdong.

“The people on the streets are here because we’ve made the decision ourselves and we will only leave when we have achieved something,” said Chloe Cheung, a 20-year-old student at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. “We are waiting for the government to respond to our demands for democracy and a say in what the elections will be like.”

Unrest grows especially among the youth, especially high school students. A rising group called the Scholarism Movement inspires civil disobedience in not only youth but teachers to participate. The group is led by 17-year-old Joshua Wong, who was arrested and since released. The group boasts 100,000 members strong.

“Hong Kong has a bright future because of our youth; I feel so proud of them,” said Martin Lee, the 76-year-old sometimes referred to as the region’s “father of democracy”. “It’s their Hong Kong – it’s their future.”

To date, 59 protestors have been injured and 89 have been arrested.

“If today I don’t stand out, I will hate myself in future,” said taxi driver Edward Yeung, 55, as he swore at police on the frontline. “Even if I get a criminal record it will be a glorious one.”

The crowd grows exponentially and there is no sign of waning.

FSA Questions

1. In the article, what is happening in Hong Kong?
2. Why are there conflict in Hong Kong?
3. The author seems to offer what main idea?
4. What is the connotation of the word glorious?
5. Select one sentence that best summarizes the work.